Travel with your MF..?

[endneu913]

HI, Im looking for opinions on a good case/ backpack unit for traveling with my RZ67 set up. I will be carrying the RZ body/back an extra prism finder and 2 lenses, along with a 35mm slr camera, and several lenses for that. Fitting the 35 gear doesn't scare me at all, but I want some good protection for the mamiya. I want a back pack style unit such as the Lowepro Mini Trekker or something to that effect... anyone have any good suggestions? I will be traveling and walking around Mexico, but mostly streets, not hiking. Im also hoping to spend less than $200. Thanks for any input!

- Grae

 

[Leighgion]

You're braver than I am to even consider this. I demurred from carrying my Mamiya 645 Super to Europe at all because I deemed it too much of a chunk, and it's considerably smaller and lighter than an RZ.

Given the chunky dimensions of an RZ, I don't know that there is a padded backpack that could fit it, but then I've never tried. Others hopefully can chime in with more certain info one way or another.

 

[panastasia]

Grae,

Considering where you're going I wouldn't suggest a camera bag/pack that looks like it contains valuable camera gear. If the bag is always attached to you there wouldn't be much to worry about, but if you let it out of your sight while you're working you might lose it to thieves (any country). I'm sure someone will suggest army surplus for this very obvious reason, as they did in other similar threads on this subject. It sounds like you need something larger than the typical day pack.

I have RB67 gear and bought a nice comfortable camera backpack called f64 ($99) for carrying what you describe but I never use it much because it looks too much like a camera pack. I prefer an older Swiss Army rucksack with leather shoulder straps (not as comfortable but very rugged). I found it for about $30. It has an outside pocket that's almost big enough for some 35mm cameras. It's surely big enough for the extra prism and more. You'll need to be inventive on the padding around the gear. I use cloths - like a sweat shirt. Good luck in your search.

Paul

 

[rwboyer]

I have travelled extensively with all kinds of gear. When I go with the full blown kit (on a commercial job) everything goes in pelican cases.

When I go incognito with just camera/lenses I actually use a good quality backpack that has nothing to do with a specialized camera case. It is a typical road warrior type thing that has a bunch of stacked compartments with the back being the one with a lot of volume. The zipper opens all the way down to the bottom for full access. I fitted out the inside myself using a hacked up foam/velcro insert for a large pelican (you can buy these on their own) It is very space efficient - has no markings that are related to any thing about photography. Has a retracting handle and wheels. The whole thing set me back about 20% of what a top of the line "photo" backpack costs, it is carryon compliant. The wheels are a god send in the airport etc. There is a space for my laptop. The two side pouches are even insulated. I have replaced the actual backpack part of this a couple of times over the last 15 years. The latest incarnation is a travel pro or some such thing that actually has wheels/handle/padded straps and even a waist strap.

Go cheap and the pelican case inserts are a real deal.

RB

 

[rwboyer]

I think I have a new never opened pelican insert with a bunch of the velcro/foam dividers if you are interested. I always have a couple of extra everything.

RB

 

[Steve Smith]

but I want some good protection for the mamiya.

The Mamiya will be o.k. What you really need is protection for everything else. e.g. your back if carrying it in a backpack.


Steve.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

There are a number of Lowepro and Tamrac backpacks that will haul your RB around - I have had two different ones for my Hasselblad outfit and for my 4x5 gear. I have another bag that is backpack-ish and fits inside a Pelican hard case for hauling around my 5x7 outfit (Canham 5x7, four or five lenses, darkcloth, cable releases, and film holders in the side pockets).

 

[borisdeswan]

I live in Mexico and I am a professional photographer. I have walked around streets in different cities especially the past 2 years for a book project, shooting mostly pentax 6x7 gear or hasselblad stuff, usually a body and 3-4 lenses. I have fitted these different gear arrangements allways into a black or green lowe-pro back packs and I have absolutely nothing even remotely bad to report. I should add that I am blond and being from dutch descent I can very easily get confused with a foreigner. I must add that I do keep a low profile clothes-wise, and only whip out the cameras when I´m ready to take a picture, then back they go into the back pack. Also when photographing people I engage them in conversation and if I want to take their picture, allways ask their consent. I can´t remember the last time I was turned down.Certainly a positive attitude and blocking fear and bad thoughts out of mind do help. The way people regard photos and photographers has changed radically for the better. And certainly people perceive old medium format cameras as if they were antiques devoid of real value. I hope all this helps.

 

[moouers]

Basically any backpack with true back support will work. Photo backpacks with good back support are readily available, and a no-name brand will probably assume lesser risk from would-be thieves. A good framed backpack, or one with just firm well placed foam supports like the one I have, evenly distributes the weight and really makes carrying heavy equipment more than tolerable. I recently did a 10 hour hike through incredibly rough terrain, difficult elevation changes, and hideous chest-level overgrowth (so heavy you'd lose the trail and spend 15 minutes searching for it, finding it 75 yards past a tree and down a hill). Having the backpack properly cinched, the weight disappears and my cameras were perfectly safe from dust, water, and impacts. Some of the best $160 I've ever spent. Fits my 35mm, digital, RB67, all my lenses and accessories and even my Ruger P89 when my belt needs a break . Fits as an airline carry-on too, just without the gun.

 

[jeffreyg]

I have traveled quite a bit with a couple of Hasselblads, up to three lenses and asst'd accessories with a Tamrac camera backpack. It offers excellent protection and support especially for someone who has had three herniated disk surgeries. The down side is the weight and they are not cheap. I also have a North Face backpack (not photographic) that I use when not carrying as much equipment. I use camera wraps that come in various sizes and work well for protection with that one. North Face has many different backpacks and are of excellent quality. Consider something that is water proof and that has heavy duty zippers as well being adjustable. You might want to "dirty it up" before your trip so it won't appear new. I suppose a thief might be just as interested in a shiny new backpack not knowing what is in it ie. dirty laundry. It is probably a good idea to take your stuff to the store and take a test drive before buying one.

 

[wiltw]

I've done Chile with a non-photographic day pack for medium format system, where I inserted custom cut high density foam dividers, cut from ground pad that are used for camping, supplemented with Domke dividers.

 

[John Jarosz]

Maybe you should rethink the idea of two systems. What's the 35mm for and what will you use the MF for? I think you could simplify one of those systems. Maybe the 35mm could be a rangefinder with 1 lens. Or just take one lens for the MF. Will you really use all that stuff?

John

 

[keithwms]

The RB/RZ systems are nice for travel in terms of their versatility and durability... they can take some very hard knocks. But the problem I have with them is the bulk of a total system: body + 2 backs + 2 or 3 lenses, + you *really* need a tripod if you're going to be spending a lot of time on your feet with them. At the very least, bring a monopod.

I am currently packing for my own trip to Mexico. I am taking two mamiya 6 systems that together weigh less than either my rb or my rz system. The 6es are the ultimate travel camera in my opinion. In my lowepro slingshot carry-on is a 6 body with 3 lenses, two 35mm bodies with a 300/4, a 50/1.2, and a 24/2.8... plus film and filters. That one bag covers just about every conceivable shooting scenario in my head.

Other excellent travel cameras, in my opinion: the fuji ga645W, ga 645Zi, gs690 and gw690 and their cousins, and of course, the new bessa.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

A agree that two systems is a lot, unless you have a specific reason for taking both, like you generally want to shoot MF, but want the option of fast lenses or long lenses, and you'll use both systems enough to justify it. Taking too much stuff can sometimes get in the way, and I find I often do better just to stretch the capabilities of what I do bring, and having everything in the same format creates some unity of form in the images I bring back from a trip.

If I'm traveling with my Bronica, I may bring 1-5 lenses, depending on how much time I think I'll have for photography, and what I think my photo opportunities will be, but if I bring a large kit, I'm usually not carrying it all the time. I'm more likely to carry the camera on a strap and maybe one or two lenses in the pockets of my overcoat or in a small bag if it's not overcoat weather.

I don't like to travel in cities with a photo backpack, because it gets in the way on public transportation (you have to take it off to avoid whacking fellow passengers when you turn around), and it is a very easy target for pickpockets who can liberate items from a backpack without you noticing until it's too late.

If you want a shoulder bag that can convert to a backpack, you might look at the Think Tank Urban Disguise bags that look like ordinary laptop cases that have the option of a backpack harness for when you're carrying the full kit on and off of the plane and such. Some people think laptop cases are also likely targets, but they are so ubiquitous now, that I don't think they are as much as they used to be, particularly since most laptops aren't worth stealing unless they are very new and clean.

 

[Sirius Glass]

For my Hasselblad I use the Tamrac 750 Backpack. Either the Tamrac 750 Backpack or the 752 Super Backpack will carry everything you want for Mamiya with plenty of padding. These packs are designed so that the weight is transferred to your hips. Most important, it will always be with you especially when you are moving your suitcases. They allow you to walk with your hands free and the weight balanced on the spine - camera bags throw the hips out if line and cause back pain.

Steve

 

[endneu913]

Hey guys! thanks for all the good feedback....

I like alot of the ideas, and i think i may have a solid direction to go in.... I happen to own an amazing Arc'trex day pack, plenty big for all my gear, an internal plastic frame and all the hip support in the world. Im thinking if i could find some super high density foam, like the type that is rigid and doesn't really foam up, i may be in business. The reason i say i need very stiff foam would be that the pack i have is a top loader, and doesn't fully unzip like a normal pack. Ive a had a large block of rigid foam, i could cut out my shapes and it would be easy to slide in and out of the top opening.. like a drawer.

The reason I would be bringing my 35 is purely to shoot slide film..... Which i happen to love, so there's not really a MF replacement for that void. But i could see bringing only 2 lenses.

Thanks for the tips! I will look at the aforementioned Tamrac's and others.

 

[k_jupiter]

Hey guys! thanks for all the good feedback....

I like alot of the ideas, and i think i may have a solid direction to go in.... I happen to own an amazing Arc'trex day pack, plenty big for all my gear, an internal plastic frame and all the hip support in the world. Im thinking if i could find some super high density foam, like the type that is rigid and doesn't really foam up, i may be in business. The reason i say i need very stiff foam would be that the pack i have is a top loader, and doesn't fully unzip like a normal pack. Ive a had a large block of rigid foam, i could cut out my shapes and it would be easy to slide in and out of the top opening.. like a drawer.

The reason I would be bringing my 35 is purely to shoot slide film..... Which i happen to love, so there's not really a MF replacement for that void. But i could see bringing only 2 lenses.

Thanks for the tips! I will look at the aforementioned Tamrac's and others.

You can't shoot slides with your 67? I must be doing something wrong.

I have a medium size Tamrac for my rb67. I have used that pack in Europe for both the 67 and a m645 1000s. Never had a problem but then again I am pretty observant while packing.

As far as a second camera? I occasionally bring a Zorki along just for fun. It doesn't weigh much and does what I want in 35mm. B&W.

tim in san jose

 

[endneu913]

You can't shoot slides with your 67? I must be doing something wrong.
tim in san jose

LOL.. fill me in.... i bought my RZ 2 weeks ago, and before that i thought 6x7 meant 6x7 INCHES! lol..... How do you shoot slides? My ASSumption, was that only 35mm slides existed.

now ON topic, has anyone ever experimented with minicell foam? Its the type of foam used for roof-top canoe/ kayak mounting ( on you vehicle) its VERY dense, but fairly lightweight. It can be cut, sanded or grinded to shape. It may be the perfect solution for my Arc'trex turned camera backpack project.

heres a link to the product:
http://www.huki.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=101

 

[Dr David Hall]

Brought my hasselblad (2 bodies) 5 lens (including a 500mm in it's own case)to Hawaii 10 days ago in a Tamrac shoulder bag. but after travelling to Maui for two days of shooting, I decided to get another bag and bought a ThinkTank roller bag and got a Airlline International one that can hold the equipment with the 500mm (without the extra case.) I also know Promaster has a backpack with rollers for about $175 that can hold all of this. Good luck and good shooting. David

 

[Dan Daniel]

now ON topic, has anyone ever experimented with minicell foam? Its the type of foam used for roof-top canoe/ kayak mounting ( on you vehicle) its VERY dense, but fairly lightweight. It can be cut, sanded or grinded to shape. It may be the perfect solution for my Arc'trex turned camera backpack project.

heres a link to the product:
http://www.huki.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=101

If that foam is what I think I think it is, it is NOT usable for your purposes. Think of it as synthetic balsa wood, or tight-grainied styrofoam blocks. I would call them and talk before dropping any money; they might also have other products better for you.

Domke and Crumpler make various 'buckets' to go inside bags. Foam sleeping bag pads are useful. Yoga mats can also be cut up for an extra layer.

 

[endneu913]

^- If its what IM thinking it is, then its perfect. I have canoe blocks made of the same thing, and i can imagine a better material for this ( a caseless case ! ) lol

 

[Sirius Glass]

Brought my hasselblad (2 bodies) 5 lens (including a 500mm in it's own case)to Hawaii 10 days ago in a Tamrac shoulder bag. but after travelling to Maui for two days of shooting, I decided to get another bag and bought a ThinkTank roller bag and got a Airlline International one that can hold the equipment with the 500mm (without the extra case.) I also know Promaster has a backpack with rollers for about $175 that can hold all of this. Good luck and good shooting. David

Check out the Tamrac 750 Backpack or 752 Super Backpack.

Steve

 

[mgb74]

What can also work very well for protecting camera and lenses within a backpack is plain old cardboard boxes (which can be cut to fit the equipment) lined with plain old bubble wrap. I wrap the bubble wrap around the item so it fits snug within the box. The boxes in turn fit snug within the pack. I used items such as changing bag, rain poncho, etc to fill in gaps in the pack. I leave the tops of the boxes open and use a single sheet of closed cell foam (from a camping pad) over the whole opening. Only works with "front load" packs. I keep a small plastic sheet to lay on the ground (if wet) then lay the pack on top. Also works well with rolling suitcases. Not as convenient/fast to use as a pack with dividers, but still very serviceable.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You might take a look at the Photobackpacker site. They make photo inserts for conventional backpacks and are APUG sponsors.--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[36cm2]

Photobackpacker equipment is top notch. I have their Kelty based system and wouldn't trade it for anything for airtravel and hiking.